KATHMANDU: The MG S5 entered the Nepali market about six months ago as a modern SUV built on a dedicated EV platform. It features rear-wheel drive with independent suspension and replaces the MG ZS EV.
Available in three different variants, the S5 EV has gained considerable attention due to its price. While the starting price is Rs. 4.399 million, the official distributor, Paramount Motors, is offering a cash discount of Rs. 100,000 as a festive season promotion. The MG S5 remains one of the most affordable compact electric SUVs available.
Similarly, the BYD Atto 2, launched at the NADA Auto Show 2025, has attracted considerable attention since its release. Its compact size and sleek design make it a strong choice for those looking for a compact electric SUV.
The attractive exterior design and the BYD brand have further boosted the popularity of the Atto 2. Cimex Inc. Pvt. Ltd. has set its price at Rs. 4.399 million.
Since both SUVs have similar prices, this comparison focuses on their features.
Dimensions
The MG S5 has a length of 4476 mm, a width of 1849 mm and a height of 1621 mm. It has a wheelbase of 2730 mm. The MG S5 Comfort variant comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and a ground clearance of 175 mm. The SUV features a 5-link independent rear suspension, providing excellent driving comfort.
The BYD Atto 3 has a length of 4310 mm, a width of 1830 mm and a height of 1675 mm. It has a wheelbase of 2620 mm and comes with 17-inch alloy wheels. Its ground clearance is 200 mm.
The MG S5 has a bigger overall size. Rear-wheel drive and independent rear suspension are strong points of the S5. However, the Atto 2 offers better ground clearance.
Interior features
The MG S5 Comfort variant features a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch information display, a rearview camera, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and four premium speakers. It also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a passive entry system, push-button start, fabric seat covers, automatic climate control and a V2L (vehicle-to-load) system.
The BYD Atto 2 also features a 12.8-inch rotary touchscreen, an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel, a 360-degree camera, V2L, synthetic leather seats and a 50W wireless charger. It comes with a portable card key, automatic climate control, a PM2.5 filter, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and eight speakers. The SUV also offers voice control, power-adjustable and ventilated front seats and rain-sensing wipers.
Motor and battery
The MG S5 has a 99 kW rear-wheel drive motor that generates 250 Nm of torque. Its top speed is 175 km/h. The Comfort variant uses a 49 kWh LFP battery manufactured by CATL, claimed to be the thinnest in the world. WLTP tests have certified that this battery provides a range of 340 km on a single charge.
The BYD Atto 2 has a 100 kW front-wheel drive motor that generates 290 Nm of torque. It is equipped with BYD’s 51.13 kWh LFP Blade battery, certified by WLTP to provide a range of 345 km on a single charge.
Both SUVs come with a 7 kW wall-mounted AC fast charger.
Safety features
Both SUVs are equipped with numerous safety features. The MG S5 Comfort variant includes 7 airbags, Auto Hold, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Jam Assist, Front and Rear Collision Warning and Intelligent Headlamp Control.
The BYD Atto 2 features 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, Traction Control, Hill Assist, a 360-degree camera, front and rear radar, Intelligent Cruise Control, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking.
